Reactions to Qaumajuq

Project Spotlight: The opening of a new Inuit art centre draws attention from far and wide.

Creating Representation Technology
Two visitors look into a glass structure with floor-to-ceiling shelving showcasing Inuit sculpture.

In March 2021, Qaumajuq opened after a two-day virtual celebration seen by more than 50,000 people around the world. As part of the virtual opening, the Gallery also welcomed over 200 global media outlets that went on to write about the Inuit art centre, from The New York Times and TIME to The Globe & Mail and The Winnipeg Free Press.

Two visitors look into a glass structure with floor-to-ceiling shelving showcasing Inuit sculpture.
Visitors to Qaumajuq’s visible vault. COURTESY WINNIPEG ART GALLERY-QAUMAJUQ. PHOTO: LEIF NORMAN.

The opening of Qaumajuq, and the subsequent exhibition and programming, continues to receive amazing feedback from local, national, and international audiences. The Winnipeg Free Press says that “a new bright light shines in Winnipeg.” Forbes describes it as, “an extraordinary new museum” with “one-of-a-kind, space-sharing design.” AZURE calls Qaumajuq “foundational in supporting and elevating the ever-evolving work and ingenuity of contemporary Inuit artists.” EnRoute shared that: “The significance of Qaumajuq cannot be overstated… Up to this point, the WAG’s Inuit collection has been mostly acquired and curated by settlers… But with Qaumajuq this is changing, and with this change will come others, including an increased awareness across the country that collections should be curated by people who share a cultural heritage with the art.” And finally, Qaumajuq was pictured on the cover of TIME, helping to make Winnipeg one of the World’s Greatest Places to visit.

Visitors to Qaumajuq’s inaugural exhibition, INUA. COURTESY WINNIPEG ART GALLERY-QAUMAJUQ. PHOTO: DAVID LIPNOWSKI.

WAG-Qaumajuq has seen and heard from visitors, members, donors, and volunteers about what Qaumajuq means to them. This incredible new centre is changing lives for the better—through beauty, fun, creativity, and a sense of connection that many are seeking. Qaumajuq is also helping people see the world from new perspectives, to rethink what it means to ensure everyone feels welcome at this new and renovated 185,000-square-foot cultural campus. 

Qaumajuq was designed to be a place where the community can come together.  The first floor is always free to visit, to explore the visible vault, and to hang out with friends and family. Visitors can grab coffee or lunch at Katita Café, shop for locally made art and crafts in the celebrated Gallery Shop, and of course, take in the incredible art on display.

This place will continue to inspire and inform people through art and culture, foster reconciliation and belonging, and activate the new spaces of Qaumajuq for all to experience and enjoy.

Credit: This video was originally published by The Winnipeg Art Gallery, December 29, 2021. COURTESY WINNIPEG ART GALLERY-QAUMAJUQ.

This story is part of the Qaumajuq Partner Spotlight. View more content from the Spotlight here.